Cry Baby – Your Child’s Emotional Growth
By: Heather Vale Goss
Your child may be growing up, but if he or she still cries frequently, it’s normal to be concerned. The good news is, at different ages and circumstances, there are things you can do to dry the tears, restore stability and encourage emotional growth.
Young Toddlers
Toddlers up to 2 years old want to be independent and are proud of their accomplishments, but often become frustrated when they can’t do something. That leads to tantrums and fits of crying, which is normal for that age. However, you can help by giving your child strategies to control his or her emotional expression, such as giving them a teddy bear or other comfort object to help induce calm, suggests PBS Parents, the online resource by the popular network, PBS Television.
Older Toddlers
Between 2 and 3 years of age, kids should start to learn empathy and understand that others have different desires. Help them through this stage by talking about how someone else feels. Encourage them to learn how to label certain emotions, and discuss thoroughly the definition of each.
Preschoolers
When a child starts attending pre-school, he or she will likely cry at drop-off. This occurs either immediately, or as soon as he or she sees another child crying. Help ease the transition by pointing out familiar toys or introducing them to another child. Just don’t sneak away when your child is distracted, or promise treats later. Children need to learn that saying good-bye is part of the routine and that crying won’t bring rewards.
School-Age
By the time your child starts school, he or she can solve conflicts through compromise or negotiation. Children learn emotional stability through contact and interaction with you, so talk it out or offer a supportive hug when your child is facing a challenge that he or she can’t handle alone.
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